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Blair Kiel Obituary

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Blair Kiel, the former Notre Dame quarterback and punter who played for Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Green Bay in the NFL, died Sunday. He was 50.

Bartholmew County Coroner Allen Smith said Kiel died at Columbus Regional Hospital. Smith said an autopsy has been performed and that he's waiting on toxicology results and tissue samples to determine the cause of death.

After leading Columbus East High School to a state title as a senior in 1979, Kiel played for the Irish from 1980-83, completing 297 of 609 passes for 3,650 yards with 17 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. He set the record for the longest pass in Notre Dame history with a 96-yarder to Joe Howard against Georgia Tech in 1981.

Kiel also averaged 40.67 yards on 260 punts, and had five rushing TDs for Notre Dame.

Drafted by Tampa Bay in the 11th round in 1984, Kiel made three starts and appeared in 25 games in five seasons with the Buccaneers, Colts and Packe rs from 1984 to 1991. He completed 108 of 193 career passes for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Kiel also averaged 37.1 yards on 17 punts for the Colts.

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Blair Kiel, the former Notre Dame quarterback and punter who played for Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Green Bay in the NFL, died Sunday. He was 50.

Bartholmew County Coroner Allen Smith said Kiel died at Columbus Regional Hospital. Smith said an autopsy has been performed and that he's waiting on toxicology results and tissue samples to determine the cause of death.

After leading Columbus East High School to a state title as a senior in 1979, Kiel played for the Irish from 1980-83, completing 297 of 609 passes for 3,650 yards with 17 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. He set the record for the longest pass in Notre Dame history with a 96-yarder to Joe Howard against Georgia Tech in 1981.

Kiel also averaged 40.67 yards on 260 punts, and had five rushing TDs for Notre Dame.

Drafted by Tampa Bay in the 11th round in 1984, Kiel made three starts and appeared in 25 games in five seasons with the Buccaneers, Colts and Packe rs from 1984 to 1991. He completed 108 of 193 career passes for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Kiel also averaged 37.1 yards on 17 punts for the Colts.

Guest Book Highlights

"My heart felt sympathies to the family. As a young man and lifelong packer fan . Blair was one of my favorite QBS the Packers had that really never had a chance to sport and show what his full potential was ! When he did play you got to see see..."- Chris Morin (Elroy, WI)

"I was a South Carolina State Trooper in the early 1980's when Notre Dame came to Columbia, SC to play the University of SC in football. I was assigned to work the game which was a great thrill for me personally because I have been a lifelong Notre..."- Tom (North Augusta, SC)

"You were a game changer both on the field and in the game of life May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God..."- Mike Perry (Fort Myers, FL)

"To the Kiel family, sorry to hear of Blair's passing, I knew Blair from Wayne elementary, and Southside Jr. High. I have had some good moments with Blair. Blair is a real competitor and I know Jesus has welcomed him with open arm's....."- David Stamper (Seymour, IN)

"A year ago today was truly the best Saturday of my life spending every minute with you - wonderful moments, loving conversations, your precious letter, endless laughs and your beautiful voice singing Stevie Wonder and John Legend as we..."- Lisa Olson (Fishers, IN)

Other obituaries

Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette on April 11, 2012

Blair Kiel, 50, Columbus, Ind., passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012, of natural causes in his hometown. He was born on Nov. 29, 1961, in Columbus, the son of Fritz and Sylvia Kiel. Blair went on...
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Published in the The Indianapolis Star on April 11, 2012

Blair Armstrong Kiel 50, Columbus, IN, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2012, of natural causes in his hometown. He was born on November 29, 1961, in Columbus, the son of Fritz and Sylvia Kiel. ...
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